Virat Kohli for RCB in Chinnaswamy Stadium Bengaluru. Image Credits: X
Defending champions RCB are all set to move out from their long-time home, the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, for the IPL 2026 season after the tragic stampede last year broke out during their title celebration.
The incident that took 11 lives, and many people were injured, has still left deep scars on the franchise, the players, and fans.
According to reports, RCB have not held any discussions with the Karnataka State Cricket Association about hosting matches in Bengaluru next season.
Virat Kohli's RCB planning new home base for IPL 2026
Moreover, as per an NDTV report, RCB are unlikely to play their home matches at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in IPL 2026. Raipur is currently the frontrunner to host RCB’s home games, while Indore is also being considered as an alternative venue.
The reluctance to return to Bengaluru is not limited to the franchise alone. Star players, including Virat Kohli, are reportedly uncomfortable revisiting the venue so soon after last year’s tragedy.
In another telling sign, Kohli’s Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Andhra Pradesh was shifted from the Chinnaswamy at the last moment in December.
The move would mark a major change for RCB, which has played at the iconic stadium since the inception of the IPL. However, with safety, logistics, and emotional concerns at stake, the series appears willing to forgo familiarity for the sake of having peace of mind.
The stampede that changed everything
The turning point came during RCB’s IPL 2025 trophy celebrations at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. This moment of jubilation took a tragic turn when a stampede broke out due to improper handling of the crowd at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
11 people lost their lives, and several others were seriously injured. Reports later revealed that RCB’s social media team was alerted about the stampede through comments on their Instagram, but continued broadcasting.
The felicitation event was eventually cut short after officials and players were informed about the casualties.
The Karnataka government publicly admitted that the event was conducted without following standard operating procedures.
Compensation was announced for the families of the deceased, and all medical expenses of the injured were covered. RCB also announced financial assistance for the victims’ families.
Despite these steps, the emotional damage remains deep, and the stadium is now associated with grief rather than glory.
High stakes as defending champions seek stability
The timing of this move is highly significant because RCB is going to IPL 2026 as the defending champion for the first time in their history. Expectations will be through the roof, and any instability off the field will affect performance on it.
Choosing a new home venue is not just about logistics. It is about rebuilding a safe and positive environment for players and fans.
For RCB, though, it is not an easy separation from Bengaluru. The Chinnaswamy has been their fortress, their identity, and Virat Kohli's second home.
But as defending champions, the priority now is to protect the team, avoid distractions, and focus on defending their title.
.jpg)
.jpg?type=mq "England player ratings")
